Developments in agri-environment schemes (AES): Australia

Publication date: 15/11/2024
Extent: 20 pages

Contributions by: Dean Ansell, Andrew Macintosh, Don Butler and Marie Waschka, Australian National University, Australia

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter explores the developments in agri-environment schemes in Australia. Agri-environment schemes have been a part of Australia’s environmental policy for more than two decades. During this time, schemes have evolved from community-based initiatives addressing land degradation issues, such as soil salinity and poor water quality, to the use of market-based mechanisms aimed at the restoration and protection of biodiversity values on farms. More recently, federal and state governments are increasingly designing schemes that integrate emerging carbon and nature markets in an attempt to make progress towards domestic and international emissions reduction and biodiversity targets, and to defray the cost of biodiversity conservation by attracting private investment. The authors provide examples of these schemes, including a case study on the federal government’s 'Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot' scheme, and discuss the various opportunities and risks associated with this shift in scheme design.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0134.15